Bronze coin-shaped charm

From ChinaQing dynasty,
19th century AD

Fighting evil

Touch
the animation
button to see the traditional process of
casting East Asian
coins.

The
scene on this coin-shaped charm refers back to a legend of the Song
dynasty in the twelfth century. The legend tells how the Emperor
Huizong (reigned 1101-25) had a vision of the God of the North
standing on the back of a snake and tortoise, holding a sword in
his hand.

The God of the
North was considered to be the master of evil spirits and therefore
able to control them. Along with the symbols of the North, he was
thought to be a particularly powerful force for exorcism. The
tortoise is a symbol of longevity, strength and endurance. It is
also known as the 'Black Warrior', presiding over
the North and symbolizing winter. In Daoism the sword is a symbol
of victory over evil.

Other
symbols of the North often found with the snake, tortoise and sword
are the Plough (the constellation) and clouds.